When considering do-it-yourself ways to reduce energy expenses this winter, shutting off areas to conserve energy is one that belongs on the “Don’t” list. In some homes, it’s an annual tradition to close the supply registers in unused rooms at this time of year.
It seems to makes sense to divert that heat energy to other living spaces instead of wasting it in vacant rooms. The only drawback is that it usually doesn’t work. In fact, studies show that shutting off areas to conserve energy may well increase energy consumption all winter long. There are plenty of measures you can take to reduce utility costs this time of year, but here are some reasons to leave the supply vents open in every room.
Negative pressure problems. Your heating system is designed to operate in a condition of balanced air pressure. When the supply vents conveying heat into a room are shut, the return vents continue to draw air out of the room. This creates a zone of negative pressure. Cold outdoor air is sucked inside through every minute crack and gap in the structure, converting it into a frigid space that contributes cold to adjacent occupied rooms.
Leaking ducts. Residential ductwork is notoriously leaky. Even with all supply vents open, ducts frequently lose up to 20 percent of heated air. Closing the supply vents in one or more rooms increases static pressure inside ducts and spills even more heat out through these leaks. Because ductwork is usually routed through unconditioned zones, that expensive, leaked heat energy winds up warming areas such as your attic or the crawl space under the house.
Furnace damage. The output of your furnace blower is carefully matched to the size and number of supply vents in the home. When some vents are closed, air flow in the entire system is decreased. Air flow below specifications can overheat and damage the heat exchanger – the most expensive single component in your heating system.
In Lorain and other Northeast Ohio communities, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning for sensible alternatives to shutting off areas to conserve energy this winter.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about conserving energy and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area